Start Asking More Questions | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Start Asking More Questions

Have you ever found yourself wondering if there was another way to do something, but you chickened out when it came down to asking about it?

12
Start Asking More Questions
Alpha Coders

Recently, I have noticed that a lot of people I know are too scared to ask questions. This is something I cannot bring myself to understand. How will you ever figure out an answer if you don’t ask a question? How are you ever going to learn anything? When I find myself in a situation that I don't like, I try to somehow find my way out of it. By putting it that way, some of you may be thinking that I'm making myself sound like a con artist, or a cheater, or someone who condones bending the rules. But I'm not. I simply ask questions. I want to be aware of all of my options, because it is possible that there is a way to make my situation more ideal.

Oftentimes, people miss out on opportunities -- both big and small -- because they're afraid of asking questions. But what's the worst that can happen? The answer will be no. And, you know what? That’s fine; at least you tried! Nothing bad will ever come of just asking -- it is highly unlikely that you will end up in a worse situation than before solely for seeking clarification about something.

If I had never asked questions, I never would have received a single student discount. I never would have been able to go to Italy and France for Spring break my sophomore year. I never would have been a triple major. I never would have worked for the Connecticut Superior Court. I never would have tried that bomb acai bowl (or even be able to pronounce the word "acai"). I never would have joined a sorority. I never would have found my Zumba class that I'm obsessed with. I never would have been able to work at one of New England's largest corporate law firms. I never would have been able to enroll myself in the Paralegal Certificate program while still in college. I would have missed out on all of those things, and so much more.

Recently, I overheard someone on the train ask the conductor to assist him in finding the cheapest options for taking the commuter rail. People all around him rolled their eyes and laughed, but if he hadn't asked, he would have been paying $6 extra everyday. When I heard that, I thought to myself, Good thing he asked; that really adds up! Why doesn't everyone realize that the more they ask, the more they'll learn? The worst that can happen is not receiving an answer, which is much better than not inquiring at all.

In my experience, asking more questions has only provided me with more positive opportunities. Nine times out of ten, someone would rather have you ask a question than do something wrong or remain confused. Who knows what you'll find when you start to question things. Stop accepting things for what they are because there is always a possibility that you'll be able to change them.

So, ask for the raise. Ask that stranger where she got those sunglasses. Ask if that scholarship is still available. Ask if there's a student discount. Ask for the extension on that research paper.

Ask yourself why you're not asking more questions.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
April Ludgate
NBC Universal

Everyone who is in college right now, or has ever been, knows the struggle of pulling in the strings at the last second. It seems impossible, and you have to do a LOT of things in order to assure your future for the next semester.

April Ludgate, historically, is a very annoyed person, and she doesn't hide it. Of all the times that I binged and re-binged "Parks and Rec," her attitude relates more and more to me.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

To The Cheerful Person On Their Rainy Days, You Are Valid

The world is not always sunshine and rainbows, and you do not have to be, either.

295
pug covered with blanket on bedspread
Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash

Ask friends of mine to name a quality about me, and one a lot them will point out the fact that I am almost always smiling. I like to laugh and smile -- not to quote Buddy the Elf in April, but smiling is my favorite! It is probably my favorite go-to expression. However, what a lot of people do not see is that I have my down days. I have days when smiling and laughing is a real struggle, or when I have so much on my plate that going out of my way to behappy takes more effort than I have stored in me. Be it a symptom of college and growing up or a facet of life, I cannot always be content.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

11 Struggles of Packing for College

It would be so much easier to just pay someone to do it for you

356
a room with boxes and a window

1. Figuring out when to start

Timing is key, you don’t want to start too early or too late.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times 'Parks and Recreation' Has Summed Up Your Life

Relatable moments from one of the best shows I have ever watched.

269
parks and rec
Liz Keysmash

Amidst my hectic college career, I always find time for one thing, even on the busiest weeks: Parks and Recreation. This show has made me laugh and has made me cry, but most of all I have related to this show more than I would like to admit.

Here are some "Parks and Rec" moments that relate to life struggles that just about everyone faces.

Keep Reading...Show less
April Ludgate
Facebook

April Ludgate from Parks and Recreation is notorious for her "I don't care" attitude. She speaks her mind without caring what anyone thinks of her. Fans love her because she isn't afraid to be herself. April can seem cold and negative, but she's really just fearless and strong-minded. And despite her sometimes harsh words, April truly cares about the people she's closest to. These are all reasons she is the epitome of a college student. April complains whenever she has to do any kind of work, but ends up doing the work anyway. April Ludgate is the ultimate college student spirit animal.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments